undemonstrative

[ uhn-duh-mon-struh-tiv ]

adjective

1. not given to open exhibition or expression of emotion, especially of affection.

   Synonyms: unresponsive, impassive, shy, reserved

undemonstrative

/ ˌʌndɪˈmɒnstrətɪv /

adjective

1. tending not to show the feelings; of a reserved nature

Derived Forms

• ˌundeˈmonstrativeness, noun
• ˌundeˈmonstratively, adverb

Other Words From

• unde·monstra·tive·ly adverb
• unde·monstra·tive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of undemonstrative¹

First recorded in 1840–50; un- ¹ + demonstrative

Example Sentences

Together with their five children and a smattering of servants, Rudolf and Hedwig Höss — played by the relatively undemonstrative Christian Friedel and Sandra Hüller — live in a nondescript, somewhat austere, predictably orderly multistory house.

From New York Times

A four-time All-Star at age 29, is publicly undemonstrative.

From Washington Times

As she describes a real but undemonstrative connection and the testing phase of a romance — “You want to be sure that I want you/Not just someone fun to do” — the track pulses with keyboard chords and rises with gospelly backup vocals, promising that there’s a true spiritual link.

From New York Times

Fletcher and Bayliss may have been just as undemonstrative - and Flower had a comparably successful playing career - but none had McCullum's star quality.

From BBC

At Kerr’s games, while all the other parents yelled urgently at their kids from the stands, they would sit quietly, undemonstrative, all but still.

From Washington Post